Switchable retractor

ABSTRACT

A switchable retractor system includes a retractor with a spool. The spool is rotatable in an extension direction for extending a web and in a retraction direction for retracting the web. A first clutch has an engaged state where the first clutch inhibits rotation of the spool in the extension direction and a disengaged state where the first clutch allows rotation of the spool in the extension direction. A release actuator actuates the first clutch into the disengaged state when actuated by a user to allow extension of the web. A second clutch has a locked state where the second clutch inhibits rotation of the spool in the retraction direction and an unlocked state where the second clutch allows rotation of the spool in the retraction direction. A tension actuator actuates the second clutch into the unlocked state when actuated to allow retraction of the web into the retractor.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/258,020 filed Nov. 20, 2015, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of retractors andconnectors, such as for anchoring a child seat.

BACKGROUND

Installing car seats can be a difficult and frustrating process. Sincenot all car seats are the same, adjustments are typically required whenthe car seat is installed. In one configuration, a web for securing thecar seat is attached to mini latch connectors that are used to securethe car seat to anchor bights in the vehicle. The web typically includesan adjustment mechanism that allows slackening and tightening of theweb. The additional slack in the web helps to make it easier to installthe mini-latch connectors. However, this slack needs to be removed whenthe car seat is used so that the web is tight in order to properlysecure the car seat. The process of slackening and tightening the webcan be a difficult and labor-intensive process. Thus, there is a needfor improvement in this field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims that particularly pointout and distinctly claim this technology, it is believed this technologywill be better understood from the following description of certainexamples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in whichlike reference numerals identify the same elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a child seat facing rearwardly atop avehicle passenger seat, showing an exemplary connector, including anexemplary retractor, affixed to a load-bearing member of the child seat.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the child seat of FIG. 1 facingforwardly atop the vehicle passenger seat of FIG. 1, showing theconnector of FIG. 1 affixed to a load-bearing member of the child seat.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the child seat of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an exemplary retractor that is suitablefor incorporation into a connector, such as the connector shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the retractor of FIG. 4,showing a push button of the retractor engaging first and second pawlsof the retractor.

FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view of the retractor of FIG. 4,showing the first pawl disengaged from a first spool and the second pawlengaged with a second spool, and showing the first and second spoolsrotating in a first direction in an install mode of the retractor.

FIG. 7 is a detailed perspective view of the retractor of FIG. 4,showing the first pawl engaged with the first spool and the second pawldisengaged from the second spool, and showing the first and secondspools rotating in a first direction in an install mode of theretractor.

FIG. 8A is a schematic view of a connector incorporating the retractorof FIG. 4 being used to secure a portion of a child seat to a passengerseat.

FIG. 8B is a schematic view of a connector incorporating the retractorof FIG. 3 being used to further secure a portion of a child seat to apassenger seat.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mini-latch retractor system accordingto another example.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a retractor in the FIG. 9 system.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the FIG. 10 retractor.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the FIG. 10 retractor.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 10 retractor as takenalong line 13-13 in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the FIG. 10 retractor withselected components removed.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a spool found in the FIG. 10 retractor.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a frame found in the FIG. 10 retractor.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a toggle ratcheting mechanism found inthe FIG. 10 retractor.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a toggle cover found in the FIG. 10retractor.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a ratchet spool found in the FIG. 10retractor.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the FIG. 10 retractor with buttons andother components removed.

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of a release button found in the FIG.10 retractor.

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of a tighten button found in theFIG. 10 retractor.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the FIG. 10 retractor with the togglecover removed.

FIG. 24 is a side view of the FIG. 10 retractor with the toggle coverremoved.

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the FIG. 10 retractor.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating stop structures found on a web used inthe FIG. 10 retractor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the technology shouldnot be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects,embodiments, and advantages of the technology will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following description, which is by wayof illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out thetechnology. As will be realized, the technology described herein iscapable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departingfrom the technology. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions shouldbe regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

It is further understood that any one or more of the teachings,expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may becombined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions,embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. Thefollowing-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc.should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other.Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined willbe readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the disclosure and claims.

As shown in FIG. 1, exemplary child seat 20 with which the disclosedretractors may be used is mounted atop a vehicle passenger seat 21consisting of a seat back portion 22 and a seat portion 23. Aconventional anchor bight 24 is located at the intersection of the seatback portion 22 and seat portion 23. A connector 25 mounted to one end36 of web 26 and is lockingly engageable with bight 24. Web 26 has anopposite end mounted to a conventional automatic locking retractor (ALR)slidably mounted to child seat 20 and concealed within retractor housing37 mounted to the side of the child seat. Housing 37 has a slot 27 withan enlarged opening 28 located at housing end 29 and an enlarged opening30 located at housing end 34. Web end 36 is attached to connector flange31 with the web end extending through an opening in the flange and beingdoubled back and fixedly attached to the main body of the web.

Slot 27 has a width greater than the thickness of web 26 but less thanthe thickness of flange 31 or the combined thickness of flange 31 withthe attached web 26. Openings 28 and 30 each have a width greater thaneither the thickness of flange 31 or the combined thickness of flange 31and the attached web 26. Thus, the retractor within housing 37 canwithdraw both the web 26 and flange 31 into housing 37 when flange 31 islocated at openings 28 or 30; however, web 26 may be moved along slot 27between the opposite enlarged openings while flange 31 remains externalto the retractor housing 37.

When child seat 20 is facing forward (FIG. 2) on the vehicle seat, web26 extends outwardly from opening 30 whereas with the child seat facingrearwardly (FIG. 1) on the vehicle seat, web 26 extends outwardly fromopening 28. In the event that the child seat 20 is changed from facingforward to rearward, then web 26 is moved from opening 30 along slot 27to opening 28, whereas the web is moved in an opposite direction if thechild seat 20 is to be moved from facing rearward to facing forward.When the child seat is not mounted to the vehicle seat, the retractorwithin housing 37 withdraws web 26 positioning and holding connector 25at either opening 28 or 30 with flange 31 extending into opening 28 or30 preventing the connector 25 and web 26 from dangling from the childseat 20 allowing the child seat 20 to be carried without fear of theconnector 25 and web 26 snaring an external object. Other features ofretractors and connectors, among other components as described in U.S.Pat. No. 8,328,281 (“the '281 patent”), may be utilized. The '281 patentis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIGS. 4-7 show an exemplary retractor 100 that may be incorporated intoa connector, such as one of the connectors 25 or 38 described above, andutilized to anchor a child seat to a vehicle passenger seat, whether ina rear- or front-facing configuration, or other configurations. It willbe further understood that a connector utilizing retractor 100 may beused to secure a base of a modular car seat (for example, one thatincludes a car seat removably attached to the base, but where the baseremains in the car at essentially all times). In the present example,rather than utilizing two connectors, such as connectors 25 and 38, asingle connector incorporating retractor 100 may utilized. While a webis not shown in FIGS. 4-7, it will be understood that retractor 100 isoperable to extract and retract a web, such as web 26, 40 describedabove, from a connector. In the example shown, retractor 100 includes alocking mechanism that substantially prevents retraction of the webduring extraction of the web from the retractor 100 as is discussedfurther herein. Retractor 100 also includes a locking mechanism thatsubstantially prevents extraction of the web from the retractor duringretraction of the web back into the retractor. Such mechanisms arediscussed in further detail below.

As shown, retractor 100 includes a primary spool 102, a primary pawl104, a main or spool spring 106 housed in a housing 108, and a primaryor release button 110. A support member or frame 112 operably couplesprimary button 110 with primary pawl 104 and primary spool 102. Asshown, support member 112 includes a bottom flange 114 and opposing sideflanges 116 a, 116 b. Side flange 116 a includes a top flange 118extending toward side flange 116 b. Side flange 116 b includes agenerally rectangular aperture 120. Top flange 118 includes a circularaperture 122, while bottom flange 114 includes a corresponding circularaperture 124 that is coaxial with aperture 122. A stability member 119connects flanges 116 a, 116 b.

As shown, primary button 110 includes a main body portion 126 withopposing arms 128, 130 extending laterally from each side of main bodyportion 126. Arm 128 includes an upper peg 132 and a lower peg (notshown) that are configured to be pivotably received in apertures 122,124, respectively. Arm 130 includes an extension member 134 extendingperpendicularly thereto. As shown best in FIGS. 4-6, arm 130 andextension member 132 are received within aperture 120. Thus, button 110may pivot about an axis defined by peg 132 but is limited to pivotingalong a particular arc length or angular displacement due to theinteraction between extension member 134 and aperture 120. In theexample shown, button 110 may pivot between outward and inward positionsrelative to primary spool 102. In other examples, rather than pivoting,button 110 may be configured to move in other manners or in acombination of other manners, such as translating, or translating andpivoting, or exhibiting other movements that will be apparent to aperson skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Retractor 100 of the present example includes a torsion spring 136 whichbiases the button into an extended position (i.e., away from first pawl104). Particularly, one arm 138 of torsion spring 136 is received in anaperture (140) (best shown in FIGS. 4-7) in side flange 116 a while theother arm 142 of torsion spring 136 is engaged with main body portion126. Thus when button 110 is pushed in the direction of arrow 143 (FIG.5) with a sufficient force to overcome the biasing force of torsionspring 136, button 110 may move towards primary pawl 104. However, oncethe user releases the sufficient force, the button 110 will return tothe extended position.

Primary spool 102 includes a first end 150 a rotatably coupled to sideflange 116 a and a second end 150 b rotatably coupled to side flange 116b. As shown, primary spool 102 includes a plurality of circumferentiallydisposed teeth 152. Support member 112 further includes opposing sideapertures 144 a, 144 b in side flanges 116 a, 116 b. Primary pawl 104includes opposing arms 146 a, 146 b, a portion of which are eachpivotably received in respective apertures 144 a, 144 b. Each of arms146 a, 146 b is operably coupled to a resilient member 148 b, whichbiases primary pawl 104 into engagement with one of teeth 152 of primaryspool 102. Primary pawl 104 further includes engagement members 149 aextending generally transversely relative to the rest of primary pawl(e.g., arms 146 a, 146 b) that are biased into engagement with teeth 152of primary pawl 104. Together the primary pawl 104 and the teeth 152 onthe spool 102, form a primary or first clutch 153 that is normallybiased to an engaged state where the first clutch 153 inhibits rotationof the spool 102 in one direction but allows rotation of the spool 102in the opposite direction. Upon a portion of button 110 contactingprimary pawl 104, primary pawl 104 pivots such that engagement members146 a, 146 b are moved out of engagement with teeth 152. Thus, in thepresent example, primary spool 102 is configured to rotate in a firstdirection (clockwise as shown in FIG. 4) regardless of the position ofprimary pawl 104. However, as discussed in further detail below, primaryspool 102 may rotate in a second direction (counterclockwise as shown)only when the primary pawl 104 has pivoted away from and is out ofengagement with teeth 152 due to actuation of primary button 110.

Retractor 100 further includes a secondary spool 154 including aplurality of circumferentially oriented teeth 155. Retractor 100 furtherincludes a pivoting member 156 defining a secondary pawl 158 on one endthereof and a secondary button 160 on a second end thereof. As shown,pivoting member 156 includes an aperture 162 and a peg 164 extendingfrom pivoting member 156, which are both positioned between secondarypawl 158 and secondary button 160. Retractor 100 of the present examplefurther includes a compression spring 166 including a first ring 168 anda second ring 170. As shown, the subsystem comprising pivoting member156 compression spring 166 is “over center” such that pivoting member156 has two stable positions: one wherein secondary pawl 156 is engagedwith secondary spool 154, and one wherein they are disengaged.

As shown, retractor 100 also includes support plate 172 having a firstpeg 174, a second peg 176, and a generally central circular aperture178. Support plate 172 is fixed according to any suitable method toflange 116 b such that aperture 178 is coaxially positioned relative toprimary spool 102. Second end 150 b of primary spool 102 includes akeyed aperture 180, and secondary spool 154 includes a complementaryshaped keyed portion 182 that is configured to be received within keyedaperture 180. Thus, when keyed portion 182 is received in aperture 180,as shown in FIGS. 4-7, primary and secondary spools 102, 154 may rotatein concert.

As shown in FIGS. 4-7, peg 174 is received within aperture 162 ofpivotable member 156, such that pivotable member 156 may pivot about anaxis defined by peg 174. Ring 168 of compression spring 166 receives peg164 of pivotable member 156, while ring 170 of compression spring 166receives peg 176 of support plate 172. In the present example, asprimary button 110 is advanced towards primary pawl 104, extensionmember 134 advances within aperture 120 and contacts secondary pawl 158of pivotable member 156 and urges secondary pawl 158 angularly towardssecondary spool 154. Additionally, due to the relative positions of peg174 and peg 164 and the interaction between compression spring 166 andpegs 174, 176, compression spring 166 urges secondary pawl 158 angularlyfurther towards secondary spool 154 until secondary pawl 158 engagessecondary spool 154 and particularly, as secondary pawl 158 engages oneof teeth 155, as shown in FIG. 6. As should be recognized, the teeth 155of the secondary spool 154 together with the secondary pawl 156 form asecondary or second clutch 179 that is normally biased to a locked statewhere the first clutch inhibits rotation of the spool 102 in onedirection but allows rotation of the spool 102 in the oppositedirection.

Due to the advancement of primary button 110 towards primary pawl 104,in the view shown in FIG. 6, primary pawl 104 has pivoted way from anddisengaged from teeth 152 of primary spool 102. Thus, first 102 andsecond 154 spool may rotate in concert in a first direction (arrow 160)as a web (e.g., web 26) is pulled in the direction of arrow 162 during,for example, an “install” mode of web across the body of a child safetyseat. In the present example, due to the configuration of teeth 155 andsecondary pawl 158, a ratcheting effect occurs. As discussed above,spring 106 biases primary spool 102 in a second direction (oppositearrow 160 (FIG. 6)) with a rotational biasing force. Therefore, in orderto rotate primary spool 102 in the first direction (arrow 160), arotational force sufficient to overcome biasing force of spring 106 mustbe applied as, for example, web is pulled in the direction of arrow 162.Moreover, due to the bias of spring 106, during extraction/extension ofweb 26, accidental releasing of web by a user could result in theunintended retraction of web 26. However, due to the ratchetinginteraction of teeth 155 and secondary pawl 158, secondary spool 154(and thus primary spool 102) are substantially unable to rotate back inthe second direction. By “substantially,” it will be understood thatsecondary spool 154 may be allowed to rotate back in the seconddirection a slight amount until secondary pawl 158 engages the nexttooth 155.

Once the user desires to retract the web, the user may push secondarybutton 160, which causes the pivotable member 156 to pivot such that thesecondary pawl 158 disengages from one of teeth 155. Due to the relativepositions of peg 174 and peg 164 and the interaction between compressionspring 166 and pegs 174, 176, compression spring 166 maintains pivotablemember 156 in the position shown in FIG. 6, disengaged from secondaryspool 154. Thus, the rotational bias of spring 106 is able to cause therotation of primary spool 102 and thus secondary spool 154 in the seconddirection (opposite arrow 160). Because of the configuration of teeth152 relative to primary pawl 104, teeth and engagement members interactin a ratcheting manner. The rotational bias of spring 106 will continueto cause the rotation of primary and secondary spool members providedthat there is not too little “slack” in the web providing a counterforcethat is greater than the rotational biasing force of spring 106.

For example, as shown schematically in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a connector 200incorporating the elements and characteristics of retractor 100 is shownbeing used to secure a portion of a child seat 300 to a passenger seat400. A web 500 is operably coupled to connector 200 in a manner thatwill be understood by persons skilled in the art in view of theteachings herein. As shown, on a first side 502 web 500 is secured to,for example, the passenger seat via a conventional connection such as aconventional anchor bight. As shown in FIG. 8A, web 500 is beingextended relative to the connector 200 and retractor 100 according tothe teachings regarding retractor 100 herein. As shown in FIG. 8B, asecond end 504 of web 500 has been secured to, for example, thepassenger seat 400 via a conventional connection such as a conventionalanchor bight. If desired, a user may further secure the portion of childseat 300 by pushing the child seat in the direction of arrow 506 tocreate “slack” in the web 500, which will cause the web 500 to retractin the direction of arrow 508, resulting in more tension on seat 300when the force in direction of arrow 506 is released.

A perspective view of a mini-latch retractor system 900 according toanother embodiment, which can be used to secure the child seat 21 is afashion similar to that described and illustrated before in FIGS. 1-3and 8, is illustrated in FIG. 9. As should be appreciated, the retractorsystem 900 in FIG. 9 shares a number of components in common with andoperates in a fashion similar to the retractor 100 described above. Forthe sake of brevity and clarity, these common aspects will not be againdescribed in great detail again, but please refer to the previousdescription. As shown, the system 900 includes a retractor 902 coupledto one or more connectors 904. In the illustrated example, theconnectors 904 include a first, stationary connector 906 and a second,extendable connector 908 located at opposite ends, but it should berecognized that more (or less) connectors 904 can be used and/or theconnectors 904 can be connected in different configurations than isshown. A fixed or stationary web 910 connects the retractor 902 to thestationary connector 906. While the length of the stationary web 910 canslightly change, such as when tension is applied, the stationary web 910typically has the same static length relative to the retractor 902 andstationary connector 906. The stationary web 910 provides a flexibleconnection between the stationary connector 906 and the retractor 902.This flexibility of the stationary web 910 allows the stationaryconnector 906 to be easily secured to the anchor bight 24, even in tightsituations. By having the retractor 902 separate from the stationaryconnector 906, the retractor 902 can be positioned at a location thatfacilitates easy interaction with and operation of the retractor 902. Anextendable web 912 connects the retractor 902 to the extendableconnector 908. Through the extendable web 912, the extendable connector908 is able to extend by moving in an extension direction 914 relativeto the retractor 902. In addition, the retractor 902 via the extendableweb 912 allows the extendable connector 908 to retract in a retractiondirection 916. As shown, the stationary web 906 is relatively shorterthan the extendable web 912 so that the retractor is positioned to oneside of the child seat 20 for easy access. While the retractor system900 in the illustrated example has a single retractor 902 and a singleextendable web 912, in other examples the retractor system 900 caninclude two more retractors 902 and/or extendable webs 912.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the retractor 902. FIGS. 11 and 12respectively show perspective and top views of the retractor 902 withselected components removed. As can be seen, the retractor 902 includesa frame 1002 that rotatably supports a primary or first spool 1004. Theextendable web 912 is wrapped around the spool 1004. A primary or firstpawl 1006 is pivotally coupled to the frame 1002, and the pawl 1006 isconfigured to engage the spool 1004 in a ratcheting type manner. Tofacilitate rotation of the spool 1004 relative to the frame 1002, theretractor 902 has snap-in 1008 and spring cup 1010 bushings coupled tothe frame 1002 at opposite ends of the spool 1004. A spring cup 1012houses the spring cup bushing 1010 along with a main or spool spring1013 that biases the spool 1004 in a fashion similar to the previousexample described with reference to FIGS. 4-7. The spool spring 1013 isoperatively connected between the spring cup bushing 1010 and the spool1004. The spool spring 1013 stores potential energy as the extendableweb 912 is moved in the extension direction 914. A pawl bias spring 1014is coupled between the pawl 1006 and the frame 1002 so as to bias thepawl 1006 into engagement with the spool 1004. When engaged, the pawl1006 only allows the spool 1004 to rotate in one direction.Specifically, the pawl 1006, when engaged with the spool 1004, onlyallows the extendable web 912 to move in the retraction direction 916,and the pawl 1006 prevents the extendable web 912 from moving in theextension direction 914. This ensures that the mini-retractor system 900remains tight such as during a crash. On the other hand, when the pawl1006 is disengaged from the spool 1004, the user is able to pull on theextendable web 912 so that the extendable web 912 is able to extend sothat the connectors 904 can be properly secured. As the extendable web912 is extended in the extension direction 914, the spool spring 1013stores the potential energy that can be later used to retract theextendable web 912 in the retraction direction 916. The extendable web912 extends through a tie bar 1016 that is secured to the frame 1002.The tie bar 1016 acts as a guide as well as provides a hard stop forstitching on the extendable web 912 so as to prevent over or underextension of the extendable web 912. In one example, the tie bar 1016 issecured in a riveted type matter to the frame 1002, but the tie bar 1016can be secured in other ways.

As shown, the retractor 902 further includes a locking or toggleratcheting mechanism or 1018 that is configured to hold the extendableweb 912 in an extended state counter to the biasing force of the spoolspring 1013. The toggle mechanism 1018 is able to toggle between alocked state that prevents retraction of the extendable web 912 (i.e.,counter to the force of the spool spring 1013) and a release state thatallows the extendable web 912 to automatically retract in the retractiondirection 916 (due to the spool spring 1013) so as to tighten themini-latch retractor system 900. In the illustrated example, the toggleratcheting mechanism 1018 includes a body 1020 that is secured to theframe 1002, a secondary or toggle pawl 1024 that is pivotally connectedto the body 1020, a secondary or ratchet spool 1022 that is connected toone end of the spool 1004, and a toggle spring 1026 that is connectedbetween the body 1020 and the toggle pawl 1024. In one form, the togglespring 1026 includes a compression spring, but the toggle spring 1026can include other types of biasing structures or mechanisms. The togglespring 1026 biases the toggle pawl 1024 between two stable or bistablestates. In one state, the toggle pawl 1024 is engaged or locked with theratchet spool 1022 so as to prevent retraction of the extendable web912, and in another state, the toggle pawl 1024 is disengaged orunlocked from the ratchet spool 1022, thereby allowing the extendableweb 912 to retract. A toggle cover 1028 covers and protects thecomponents of the toggle ratcheting mechanism 1018 and provides asupport point for the components.

A primary or release button 1030 is pivotally coupled to the frame 1002.When pressed, the release button 1030 simultaneously or sequentiallypivots the pawl 1006 so that the pawl 1006 is disengaged from the spool1004 and pivots the toggle pawl 1024 to the engaged state where thetoggle pawl 1024 engages the ratchet spool 1022 in a ratcheting manner.A release button bias spring 1032 biases the release button 1030 awayfrom engagement with the pawl 1006 and the toggle pawl 1024. In theillustrated example, the release button bias spring 1032 is a torsionspring, but other types of biasing structures or mechanisms can be usedin other examples. A secondary or tighten button 1034 is pivotallyconnected to the spring cup 1012. When pressed or pushed towards theextendable web 912, the tighten button 1034 pushes or toggles the togglepawl 1024 to the disengaged position where the toggle pawl 1024 isdisengaged from the ratchet spool 1022 so as to allow retraction of theextendable web 912. A tighten button bias spring 1036 is connectedbetween the spring cup 1012 and the tighten button 1034 so as to biasthe tighten button 1034 away from the toggle pawl 1024. As depicted, abase cover 1038 and a button cover 1040 are clamped together in aclamshell type configuration to form a housing 1042 that generallyencloses the components of the retractor 902. In one form, at least theframe 1002, spool 1004, pawl 1006, and tie bar 1016 as well as varioussprings are made of metal (e.g., steel) so as to provide added strength,and the other components are made of plastic. It should be neverthelessrecognized that different types of materials and/or differentcombinations of materials can be used.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the retractor 902 as taken alongline 13-13 in FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 shows a rear perspective view of theretractor 902 with the frame 1002 and other selected components removedto improve visibility of the engagement between the spool 1004 and thepawl 1006. As can be seen, the spool 1004 includes a shaft 1302 aroundwhich the extendable web 912 is wrapped. At both ends of the shaft 1302,the spool 1004 has one or more ratchet teeth 1304 configured to engagewith the pawl 1006. In the illustrated example, the teeth 1304 of thespool 1004 are a series of circumferentially spaced ratchet teeth thatare angled to engage the pawl 1006 and in a ratcheting manner. The pawl1006 includes teeth engagement members 1306 that are positioned toengage the ratchet teeth 1304 in a ratcheting manner. The pawl 1006 ispivotally connected to the frame 1002 via a pawl opening 1308 in theframe 1002. As noted before, the pawl bias spring 1014 biases the teethengagement members 1306 of the pawl 1006 to engage the ratchet teeth1304 of the spool 1004. Together the pawl 1006 and the ratchet teeth1304 of the spool 1004 form a primary or first clutch 1309. The firstclutch 1309 has an engaged state where the first clutch 1309 inhibitsrotation of the spool 1004 in the extension direction 914 and adisengaged state where the first clutch 1309 allows rotation of thespool 1004 in the extension direction 914. Looking at FIGS. 13 and 14,when the release button 1030 is pressed towards the pawl 1006, as isindicated by direction arrow 1310, a pawl engagement member 1312 pressesagainst the pawl 1006. Further pressing of the release button 1030causes the pawl 1006 to rotate in a clockwise direction (from theperspective in FIG. 13) so as to disengage the teeth engagement members1306 from the ratchet teeth 1304. Once the ratchet teeth 1304 of thespool 1004 are disengaged from the pawl 1006, the user is able to pullthe extendable web 912 in the extension direction 914 so as to provideadded slack for the mini-latch retractor system 900. Given that the pawl1006 is biased by the pawl bias spring 1014 to engage the ratchet teeth1304 on the spool 1004, once the release button 1030 is no longerpressed, the pawl 1006 engages the spool 1004 so as to prevent anyfurther extension of the extendable web 912.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the spool 1004. As can be seen, theratchet teeth 1304 are disposed on opposing ends of the shaft 1302. Theshaft 1302 defines a web slot 1502 in which one end of the extendableweb 912 is secured. At one end of the shaft 1302, the spool 1004 definesa ratchet spool cavity 1504 to which the ratchet spool 1022 is secured.

Turning to FIG. 16, the frame 1002 has opposing side flanges 1601 eachdefining spool openings 1602 in which the ends of the spool 1004 arerotatably received. The frame 1002 further has a base or bottom flange1603 that defines a web slot 1604 through which the stationary web 910is looped and secured. To pivotally secure the release button 1030 tothe frame 1002, the frame 1002 has a release button pivot flange 1606.The release button pivot flange 1606 along with the base flange 1603 ofthe frame 1002 define release button pivot openings 1608 to which therelease button 1030 is pivotally secure. Opposite the release buttonpivot flange 1606, the frame 1002 defines a release button extensionopening 1610 through which a portion of the release button 1030 extendsin order to actuate the toggle pawl 1024. The frame 1002 further definesa tighten button relief notch 1612 through which a portion of thetighten button 1034 extends in order to actuate the toggle pawl 1024.The frame 1002 further includes one or more rivet members 1614 that aredeformed in order to secure the tie bar 1016 to the frame 1002.

An exploded view of the toggle ratcheting mechanism 1018 is depicted inFIG. 17. As illustrated, the body 1020 of the toggle ratchetingmechanism 1018 is secured to the frame 1002. The body 1020 is archedaround the ratchet spool 1022. The body 1020 has a spring engagement pin1702 to which the toggle spring 1026 is secured. The body 1020 furtherincludes a pivot pin 1704 upon which the toggle pawl 1024 is pivotallysecured. A stop member 1706 extends from the body 1020 so as to providea hard stop for toggle pawl 1024 when pivoted to a released position orunlocked state. The body 1020 further defines a guide notch 1708 throughwhich a portion of the tighten button 1034 extends in order to engagewith the toggle pawl 1024. The toggle pawl 1024 defines a pivot opening1710 in which the pivot pin 1704 of the body 1020 is received. It shouldbe recognized that the toggle pawl 1024 rotates about the pivot pin1704. The toggle pawl 1024 further includes a spring coupling pin 1712to which the toggle spring 1026 is secured. As can be seen, the springcoupling pin 1712 is positioned offset from the pivot opening 1710 whichin turn facilitates the bistable positioning of the toggle pawl 1024.The toggle pawl 1024 further includes a tighten button engagement arm1714 and a teeth engagement arm 1716. The tighten button engagement arm1714 is positioned to provide leverage for rotating the toggle pawl 1024by the tighten button 1034. The teeth engagement arm 1716 is configuredto engage with one or more ratchet teeth 1718 on the ratchet spool 1022in a ratcheting manner. As can be seen, the ratchet teeth 1718 on theratchet spool 1022 are oriented in an opposite fashion to the ratchetteeth 1304 of the spool 1004. The toggle pawl 1024 and the ratchet teeth1718 of the ratchet spool 1022 in toggle ratcheting mechanism 1018 forma secondary or second clutch 1719. The second clutch 1719 has a lockedstate where the second clutch 1719 inhibits rotation of the spool in theretraction direction 916 and an unlocked state where the second clutch1719 allows rotation of the spool 1004 in the retraction direction 916.The ratchet spool 1022 further includes a support opening 1720supporting the ratchet spool 1022 during rotation. The pins 1702, 1704similarly have support dimples 1722 at their ends. Looking at FIG. 18,the inside of the toggle cover 1028 has a ratchet spool support pin 1802that is received in the support opening 1720 of the ratchet spool 1022in order to provide additional support for the ratchet spool 1022. Theinside of the toggle cover 1028 further has support protrusions 1804that are positioned to be received in the support dimples 1722 of thepins 1702, 1704 to align and provide additional support for the pins1702, 1704. In one form, the toggle cover 1028 is secured to the frame1002 via a screw, but the toggle cover 1028 in other examples can besecured in other manners, such as through adhesives, welding, etc.

Turning to FIG. 19, the ratchet spool 1022 has a spool engagement member1902 that is configured to lock into the ratchet spool cavity 1504 (FIG.15) in the spool 1004. In the illustrated example, both the ratchetspool cavity 1504 and the spool engagement member 1902 have a square orrectangular shape so as to prevent relative movement between the spool1004 and the ratchet spool 1022, but these components in other examplescan be shaped differently than is illustrated.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the retractor 902 with selectivecomponents, such as the release button 1030 and the tighten button 1034,removed so that the various biasing springs, such as the pawl biasspring 1014, the toggle spring 1026, the release button biasing spring1032, and the tighten button biasing spring 1036, can be viewed. Asnoted before, the pawl bias spring 1014 biases the pawl 1006 to normallyengage or lock with the ratchet teeth 1304 of the spool 1004 in aratcheting manner. The toggle spring 1026 is used to bias the togglepawl 1024 into the bi-stable positions where the toggle pawl 1024 iseither engaged or disengaged from the ratchet spool 1022. In theillustrated example, the toggle spring 1026 is in the form of a coilcompression spring, but other types of springs can be used in otherexamples. The release button bias spring 1032 is positioned proximal tothe release button pivot flange 1606 so as to engage and bias therelease button 1030 away from contacting or engaging the pawl 1006 andthe toggle pawl 1024. In the depicted example, the release button biasspring 1032 is in the form of a coil spring, but other types of springscan be used in other variations. As can be seen, the spring cup 1012 hasa snap pin 2002 around which the tighten button bias spring 1036 issecured. The tighten button bias spring 1036 is configured to bias thetighten button 1034 away from engaging or contacting the toggle pawl1024. In the illustrated example, the tighten button bias spring 1036 isgenerally in the form of a leaf spring, but other types of springs canbe used in different examples.

FIG. 21 shows a rear perspective view of the release button 1030. As canbe seen the release button 1030 includes one or more hinge arms 2102about which the release button 1030 pivots. Looking at FIGS. 20 and 21,the hinge arms have hinge pins or pegs 2104 that are pivotally receivedin the release button pivot openings 1608. The hinge arms 2102 furtherinclude spring pins 2106 that face one another. The release button biasspring 1032 is secured to the spring pins 2106 to facilitate biasing ofthe release button 1030. As noted before, the release button 1030 hasthe pawl engagement member 1312 that is positioned to press against thepawl 1006 so as to disengage the pawl 1006 from the ratchet teeth 1304when the release button 1030 is pressed. Opposite the hinge arms 2102,the release button 1030 has a toggle actuation arm 2108 with a locktoggle or extension member 2110 positioned so as to be able to pressagainst or actuate the toggle pawl 1024. In particular, the lock togglemember 2110 is configured to press against the tighten button engagementarm 1714 (FIG. 17) of the toggle pawl 1024. The toggle actuation arm2108 extends from a body 2112 of the release button 1030. The body 2112of the release button 1030 is where the user presses the release button1030.

FIG. 22 shows a front perspective view of the tighten button 1034. Thetighten button 1034 includes a pivot arm 2202 that defines a snap pinopening 2204 in which the snap pin 2002 of the spring cup 1012 issnapped fitted so as to create a pivot type connection. The tightenbutton 1034 further includes an actuation body 2206 where the userpresses so as to actuate the tighten button 1034. Extending from theactuation body 2206, the tighten button 1034 has a toggle actuation arm2208 with a unlock toggle member 2210 that is configured to contact oractuate the toggle pawl 1024. Specifically, the unlock toggle member2210 of the tighten button 1034 is positioned to contact the teethengagement arm 1716 (FIG. 17) when the tighten button 1034 is pressed orotherwise actuated.

FIG. 23 provides a rear perspective view of the retractor 902 withselected components removed to provide greater visibility about theinternal workings of the retractor 902, and FIG. 24 shows a side view ofthe retractor 902 facing the toggle ratcheting mechanism 1018. As can beseen, the toggle actuation arm 2108 of the release button 1030 extendsthrough the release button extension opening 1610 in the frame 1002. Therelease button extension opening 1610 provides a guide for the toggleactuation arm 2108 so that the lock toggle member 2110 is positionedproperly to actuate the toggle pawl 1024. The toggle actuation arm 2208of the release button 1034 is positioned in the tighten button reliefnotch 1612 in the frame 1002 as well as the guide notch 1708 in the body1020 of the toggle ratcheting mechanism 1018. Such an arrangement helpsto align and guide the unlock toggle member 2210 of the tighten button1034 with the toggle pawl 1024 when the tighten button 1034 is actuated.

Again, the retractor 902 in FIG. 9 operates in a fashion similar to theretractor 100 described above with respect to FIGS. 4-8. As mentionedbefore, the pawl bias spring 1014 biases the pawl 1006 so as to engagethe ratchet teeth 1304 of the spool such that the extendable web 912(FIG. 9) is unable to extend from the retractor 902. In the depictedconfiguration, the toggle pawl 1024 engages the ratchet teeth 1718 ofthe ratchet spool 1022 so that the extendable web 912 is unable toretract or tighten. As alluded to previously, the retractor 902 includesa dual button design (i.e., buttons 1030 and 1034) that preventaccidental tightening or releasing of the extendable web 912. To extendthe extendable web 912 so as to provide enough slack for connecting theconnectors 904 to the anchor bights 24, the user presses on the releasebutton 1030 in direction 1310 and pulls on the extendable web 912. Uponpressing the release button 1030, the pawl engagement member 1312 of therelease button 1030 pivots the pawl 1006 such that the pawl 1006disengages from the ratchet teeth 1304 of the spool 1004. As theextendable web 912 is pulled, the spool spring 1013 is wound so as tostore the energy from the pulling action that is later used to retractthe extendable web 912. At the same time, the toggle pawl 1024 engagesthe ratchet teeth 1718 of the ratchet spool 1022 in a ratcheting manneras the spool 1004 rotates. As mentioned before, the toggle spring 1026biases the toggle pawl 1024 to an engaged position so that the togglepawl 1024 remains engaged to the ratchet spool 1022 in a ratchetingmanner. The toggle pawl 1024 prevents the extendable web 912 fromsnapping back from the force of the wound spool spring 1013 such thatthe extendable web 912 remains at the desired extended length the userhas pulled. This is very helpful to the user because the user does nothave to wrestle with the constant pulling or tension in the extendableweb 912 when the connectors 904 are being connected to the anchor bights24. The user can pull the extendable web 912 so that the extendable web912 has desired slack for connecting the connectors 904. Upon releasingthe release button 1030, the pawl bias spring 1014 causes the pawl 1006to automatically engage the ratchet teeth 1304 of the spool 1004 suchthat the extendable web 912 is no longer able to extend from theretractor 902. In other words, the extendable web 912 is locked intoposition so that the extendable web 912 is unable to extend or retract.This provides added safety because the retractor 902 fails to a positionwhere the extendable web 912 is always secured.

To tighten or remove slack from the extendable web 912, the user presseson the actuation body 2206 of the tighten button 1034 (in direction1310). Upon pressing the tighten button 1034, the unlock toggle member2210 of the tighten button 1034 presses against the tighten buttonengagement arm 1714 of the toggle pawl 1024. This in turn causes thetoggle pawl 1024 pivot about the pivot pin 1704 such that the teethengagement arm 1716 disengages or unlocks from the ratchet teeth 1718 ofthe ratchet spool 1022. The tighten button 1034 continues to rotate thetoggle pawl 1024 until the teeth engagement arm 1716 presses against andis stopped by the stop member 1706. As the toggle pawl 1024 pivots, thetoggle spring 1026 becomes compressed. When the spring engagement pin1702 of the toggle pawl 1024 is rotated to a position past the pivot pin1704, the toggle spring 1026 is able to be released and extend so as tohold the toggle pawl 1024 in a disengaged position where the teethengagement arm 1716 rests against the stop member 1706. With the togglepawl 1024 disengaged from the ratchet spool 1022, the spool 1004 is freeto rotate so as to tighten the extendable web 912. As noted before, whenthe extendable web 912 was pulled, the spool spring 1013 was wound.Having the toggle pawl 1024 at a disengaged position allows the spoolspring 1013 to be released and automatically tighten the extendable web912 by rotating the spool 1004 in a clockwise direction (as viewed inFIG. 24). By one simple press of the tightening button 1034, the user isable to automatically tighten the extendable web 912. The pawl 1006ensures that the extendable web 912 remains in the tightened state.

In order to re-extend the extendable web 912, the user again presses onthe release button 1030. Upon pressing the release button 1030, the locktoggle member 2110 of the release button 1030 presses against the teethengagement arm 1716 of the lock toggle pawl 1024. This in turn causesthe toggle pawl 1024 to rotate back to the engaged or locked positionwhere the teeth engagement arm 1716 engages or locks with the ratchetteeth 1718 of the ratchet spool 1022, as is depicted in FIGS. 23 and 24.With the toggle pawl 1024 engaged to the ratchet spool 1022, theextendable web 912 is unable to retract. It also should be alsorecognized that the release button 1030 can be temporarily pressed andreleased during retraction of the extendable web 912 so as to set thedesired length or slack of the extendable web 912 extending from theretractor 902. When the release button 1030 is temporarily pressedduring retraction, the toggle pawl 1024 is rotated to the engagedposition with the ratchet spool 1022 such that the spool 1004 is nolonger able to rotate and retract the extendable web 912. Upon releasingthe release button 1030, the release button bias spring 1032 springs therelease button 1030 back to its original position. At that point, thepawl 1006 prevents extension of the extendable web 912 and the togglepawl 1024 in turn prevents retraction of the extendable web 912 suchthat the extendable web 912 remains or is locked at the desired length.

Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, the tie bar 1016 and the extendableweb 912 are designed to prevent over extension or under retraction ofthe extendable web 912. The tie bar 1016 defines a web slot 2502 throughwhich the extendable web 912 extends. The web slot 2502 has a thickness2504 that is sized to allow the extendable web 912 to smoothly slidethrough. The extendable web 912 has one or more stop structures 2506that prevent over extension or retraction of the extendable web 912relative to the retractor 902. The stop structures 2506 are especiallyhelpful with this design of the retractor 902 because the extendable web912 can be easily over extended or retracted by the automatic nature ofthe retractor 902. In the example illustrated in FIG. 26, the extendableweb 912 includes at least two stop structures 2506 that prevent overextension or over retraction of the retractor double web 912.Specifically, the stop structures 2506 include an extension stop 2602that inhibits over extension of the extendable web 912 and a retractionstop 2604 that inhibits over retraction of the extendable web 912. Inthe illustrated example, the stop structures 2506 are sewed patches ofthread that have a thickness that is thicker than the thickness 2504 ofthe web slot 2502 in the tie bar 1016. When the extendable web 912 isover pulled, the extension stop 2602 wedges in the web slot 2502 toprevent further extension of the extendable web 912. Conversely, whenthe extendable web 912 is retracted, the retraction stop 2604 engagesthe tie bar 1016 so as to prevent any further retraction of theextendable web 912. While the retractors have been described withreference to securing car seats, it should be recognized that theretractors described herein can be used in other situations besides forcar seats.

While the present disclosure of the retractors have been described inuse with respect to child seats, myriad other applications utilizing theretractors and variations thereof, with or without a connector, arepossible. Although the first and second clutches have been described asbeing ratchet and pawl type clutches, it should be recognized that othertypes of releasable one-way clutches can be used. For instance, spragand/or overrunning clutches can be, alternatively or additionally, usedfor the first and/or second clutches in other examples.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatsome of the embodiments have been shown and described and that allchanges and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventionare desired to be protected.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a web; and a retractorincluding a spool around which the web is wrapped, wherein the spool isrotatable in an extension direction for extending the web from theretractor, wherein the spool is rotatable in a retraction direction forretracting the web into the retractor, a first clutch coupled to thespool, the first clutch having an engaged state where the first clutchinhibits rotation of the spool in the extension direction and adisengaged state where the first clutch allows rotation of the spool inthe extension direction, a release actuator configured to actuate thefirst clutch into the disengaged state when actuated by a user to allowextension of the web from the retractor, a second clutch coupled to thespool, the second clutch having a locked state where the second clutchinhibits rotation of the spool in the retraction direction and anunlocked state where the second clutch allows rotation of the spool inthe retraction direction, and a tension actuator configured to actuatethe second clutch into the unlocked state when actuated by the user toallow retraction of the web into the retractor.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein: the retractor further includes a tension mechanism coupledto the spool to rotate the spool in the retraction direction; and thetension mechanism is configured to automatically retract the web whenthe tension actuator actuates the second clutch into the unlocked state.3. The system of claim 2, wherein the tension mechanism includes atension spring coupled to the spool for storing potential energy whenthe web is extended that is used to automatically retract the web. 4.The system of claim 1, wherein the first clutch is biased to remain atthe engaged state unless the release actuator is actively actuated bythe user.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first clutch includes aratchet mechanism that includes: one or more ratchet teeth extendingfrom the spool; a pawl positioned to engage the ratchet teeth; and apawl bias spring biasing the pawl to engage the ratchet teeth.
 6. Thesystem of claim 5, wherein the release actuator includes a pawlengagement member that is positioned to press against the pawl to movethe pawl out of engagement with the ratchet teeth when the releaseactuator is actuated by the user.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein: therelease actuator includes a release button; and the tension actuatorincludes a tighten button.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein: the secondclutch includes a ratchet mechanism; and the ratchet mechanism includesa ratchet spool connected to one end of the spool, the ratchet spoolhaving one or more ratchet teeth, and a toggle pawl positioned to engagethe one or more ratchet teeth of the ratchet spool.
 9. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the ratchet mechanism includes a toggle pawl biasspring coupled to the toggle pawl to bias the toggle pawl at both thelocked state and the unlocked state.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein:the release actuator includes a lock toggle member positioned to pivotthe toggle pawl to the locked state where the toggle pawl engages theone or more ratchet teeth of the ratchet spool; and the tension actuatorincludes an unlock toggle member positioned to pivot the toggle pawl tothe unlocked state where the toggle pawl disengages from the one or moreratchet teeth of the ratchet spool.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein:the release actuator includes a body to which the toggle pawl ispivotally coupled; the body defines a guide notch in which the unlocktoggle member is received to guide the unlock toggle member; and thebody has a stop member positioned to limit movement of the toggle pawlwhen in the unlocked state.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein therelease actuator includes a pawl engagement member positioned to actuatethe first clutch to the disengaged state when the release actuator isactuated.
 13. The system of claim 9, further comprising: wherein theratchet spool defines a support opening; a toggle cover covering theratchet spool and the toggle pawl; and wherein the toggle pawl has aratchet spool support pin received in the support opening of the ratchetspool.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the release actuator includes:a pawl engagement member positioned to actuate the first clutch to thedisengaged state when the release actuator is actuated; and a locktoggle member positioned to actuate the second clutch to the lockedstate when the release actuator is actuated.
 15. The system of claim 1,wherein: the retractor includes a tie bar defining a web slot throughwhich the web extends; and the web has an extension stop structureconfigured to engage the tie bar to limit extension of the web, and aretraction stop structure configured to engage the tie bar to limitretraction of the web.
 16. The system of claim 1, further comprising: anextendable connector connected to the web; a stationary connector; and astationary web connected at a fixed length between the retractor and thestationary connector.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the fixedlength of the stationary web is shorter than a length of the web whenfully retracted by the retractor.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein:the release actuator includes a release button having a toggle actuationarm with a toggle member configured to actuate the second clutch to thelocked state when the release button is pressed; and the retractorfurther includes a frame having a base flange, a first side flangeextending from the base flange, wherein the first side flange has arelease button flange, wherein the release button is pivotally connectedto the release button flange, and a second side flange extending fromthe base flange opposite the first side flange, wherein the first sideflange and the second side flange rotatably support the spool, whereinthe second side flange defines a release extension button through whichthe toggle actuation arm of the release button extends.
 19. The systemof claim 1, wherein: the retractor further includes a tension mechanismcoupled to the spool to rotate the spool in the retraction direction,wherein the tension mechanism is configured to automatically retract theweb when the tension actuator actuates the second clutch into theunlocked state; the first clutch includes first ratchet teeth extendingfrom the spool, a first pawl positioned to engage the first ratchetteeth, and a first pawl bias spring biasing the first pawl to engage thefirst ratchet teeth; the second clutch includes a ratchet spoolconnected to one end of the spool, wherein the ratchet spool has asecond ratchet teeth, a second pawl positioned to engage the secondratchet teeth, and a second pawl bias spring biasing the second pawl toengage the first ratchet teeth; and the first ratchet teeth and thesecond ratchet teeth are circumferentially oriented in oppositedirections.